Surf is high early in the morning, so Dylan Nu\u00f1ez, a senior and political science major at UC Riverside, grabs his wetsuit, wax for his surfboard, a towel and heads out to catch waves before school starts. Like many college students during the global pandemic, Nu\u00f1ez has juggled student life amidst COVID-19 restrictions, and sought out opportunities for personal and professional growth. Surfing is the sport he says that\u2019s brought him the most joy during this time, and one that makes everything relatable.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhenever I surf, I forget about everything else going on in life,\u201d says the Long Beach native. \u201cI don\u2019t have access to anything other than the board and being in the water. During the pandemic, surfing was one of the few things I could do to be out and be active, but also stay safe because I could keep a distance from everyone else. It allowed me to get away from the stress of being in my house all day worrying about COVID,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n
Out of the water and back at school, Nu\u00f1ez says one of the most pressing challenges for any student was building a network and professional portfolio. Internships were hard to come by during the pandemic, until a mentor told him about an online internship with Our Voice: Communities for Quality Education. The community-based organization seeks to uplift the voices of students and parents in education through social media. Interns work collaboratively to create weekly Facebook content that includes free resources and activities for parents. They also launched an Instagram page in early 2021 for college students and young professionals, and develop weekly original content offering tips, resources and more.<\/p>\n
Within the first year of its launch, the Instagram account has grown an audience encompassing hundreds of students in and outside of Los Angeles County. Our Voice\u2019s Instagram provides a platform where students can seek study tips, college resources, scholarship information, tips for finals week, career fairs and much more. By providing young students with valuable information, Our Voice has attracted a sea of students looking for consistent tips and educational resources.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve learned so much about everything, especially the L.A. community and educational system,\u201d said Nu\u00f1ez. Our Voice has definitely allowed me to see a side of the work I can do \u2013 advocacy and social justice. I\u2019m looking forward to getting into this environment and helping, getting connected and giving back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nu\u00f1ez says that although surfing helped him keep a safe distance from people, the online internship has helped him stay connected in a way that is safe and comfortable. It\u2019s helped him learn new skills, and adapt to working collaboratively with other students from across the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like this whole time I\u2019ve just been learning how to paddle and try and catch waves, but now I\u2019m at a point where I\u2019m going to graduate. I\u2019m finally catching this wave and riding it out\u2026seeing where it takes me.\u201d<\/p>\n